REKHTA PODCAST

Can AI help poets write better, or is it taking the soul out of poetry?In Episode 4 of Rekhta Room, young poet and IT professional Yasir Khan Inam joins Faisal Fehmi to discuss his journey from Bulandshahr to Delhi, the influence of Sahir Ludhianvi, and why behr remains central to Urdu poetry.He also shares his perspective on ChatGPT, social media reels, self-editing and the future of shayari. The episode ends with a rapid-fire round and a special ghazal recitation, including “Yeh Aansu Toh Tumhare Baad Aaye.”

Azhar Nawaz never formally learnt the meter of poetry. He discovered its rhythm by singing ghazals as a boy.In Episode 3 of Rekhta Room Season 1, the young poet joins Faisal Fehmi to revisit his journey from Anjan Shaheed, a village in Azamgarh, to studying English Literature at Jamia Millia Islamia and completing his PhD at Aligarh Muslim University.Growing up in a home filled with Urdu and poetry, Azhar initially wanted to become a singer. Encouraged by his father to recite ghazals in tarannum, he developed a natural understanding of behar long before writing his own couplets.Azhar also opens up about his creative process. He does not wait for inspiration to strike. Instead, he observes paradoxes in everyday life, notes them down, and patiently shapes them into poetry.The conversation moves through his love for sketching, painting, music, mystery thrillers, and Korean and Japanese cinema. It concludes with a lively rapid-fire round on legendary poets and a memorable recitation featuring his celebrated couplet on Qissa-e-Taakhir, the story of delay.

Areeb Usmani was building a career as a professional fast bowler when a serious ligament injury brought everything to an abrupt end. In the silence that followed, he found poetry.In this episode of Rekhta Room, Areeb joins Faisal Fehmi to talk about growing up in Mau and Azamgarh, the literary influences within his family, and the years he spent playing cricket in Lucknow and Mumbai.He recalls moving to Aligarh, discovering a community of writers at AMU, and gradually finding his own poetic voice. He also shares the amusing story of mistaking Jaun Elia for John Donne, reflects on reading more than 80 novels during lockdown, and speaks candidly about the effect of social media on contemporary poetry.The conversation moves through cricket, loss, prose, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and the friendships that shaped him, before concluding with a moving recitation of his poetry.Rekhta Room, Season 1, Episode 2. Featuring Areeb Usmani.Presented by Rekhta Foundation.

Does heartbreak really make a poet? For Varun Anand, poetry arrived much earlier.In the first episode of Rekhta Room, hosted by Faisal Fehmi, Varun Anand traces his journey from Yamunanagar and Ludhiana to the world of Urdu poetry. As the eldest son of a family facing financial hardship, he left school early and began working at a young age. It was while listening to Jagjit Singh on the radio that he discovered the poets behind the ghazals, including Bashir Badr, Nida Fazli and Qateel Shifai, and began writing himself.Varun speaks candidly about stepping away from poetry after his mother's death, the person who brought him back, and the discipline behind writing a technically sound ghazal. He explains the importance of behr, why aamad may offer only the first line, and how the rest must be shaped through labour and craft.From writing amid the roar of garment factory machines to reflecting on social media, literary gatherings and his creative process, this is an honest conversation about language, loss and perseverance.The episode closes with Varun Anand reciting his celebrated ghazal, “Lahu Lagta Hai.”Rekhta Room is presented by Rekhta Foundation, the world's largest platform for Urdu language and literature.

Experience the Dubai Grand Mushaira 2024 from Jashn-e-Rekhta, featuring Javed Akhtar, Zehra Nigah, Tehzeeb Hafi, Shakeel Azmi, Abbas Tabish, Farhat Ehsas, Anwar Shaoor, Khalid Irfan, Asim Wasti, Manish Shukla and more.Presided over by the legendary Zehra Nigah and hosted by Ambreen Haseeb Amber, this special mehfil brings together some of the most celebrated voices of Urdu poetry. From ghazals on love, longing and relationships to nazms on society, cinema, memory, mothers, loneliness and satire, each poet brings a distinct mood to the stage.Listen to Tehzeeb Hafi's contemporary shayari, Javed Akhtar's reflections on time and silence, Shakeel Azmi's moving tribute to unsung film workers, Abbas Tabish's unforgettable poetry on mothers, and Zehra Nigah's iconic Jungle Ka Kanoon.A must-listen for lovers of Urdu shayari, ghazal, mushaira, Rekhta, Jashn-e-Rekhta and timeless poetry.

Javed Akhtar and Pervaiz Alam come together at Jashn-e-Rekhta for a sharp, necessary conversation on the Urdu script debate, Rasm-ul-Khat, and the relationship between Hindi and Urdu.Javed Akhtar begins with a clear argument. There is no problem with the Urdu script. The real confusion lies in mixing up script with language. Through examples from Punjabi, English, French and German, he explains how grammar, not script, defines a language. He also challenges the idea that Urdu is foreign or belongs to one religion, while reflecting on Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam, everyday Hindustani vocabulary, Bollywood's shrinking language, and the class snobbery around speaking one's own language well.The conversation also looks at Nastaliq, Devanagari and Roman scripts, the role of Rekhta in digital preservation, and the danger of losing access to literary heritage. The session closes with Javed Akhtar reciting his nazm “Zindagi.”

In this rare and intimate episode of Rekhta Rubaru, legendary Urdu poet Munawwar Rana sits down with Moid Rasheedi for a deeply personal conversation about identity, Partition, poetry, rebellion and the memories that shaped his voice.Rana reflects on being Munawwar Ali before fame, his childhood as the son of a truck driver, and his father's decision to stay in India after 1947 to protect the 500-year-old graves of their ancestors. He shares moving stories of failure, labour, loss and dignity, including the day his father sent him to work after he failed 6th grade.The conversation also explores his years in Kolkata during the Naxalite era, his rebellious phase, his return to family responsibilities, and the emotional force behind his most defining literary contribution. Bringing Maa to the centre of the Urdu ghazal.A powerful episode on memory, language, belonging and the poet who changed the emotional vocabulary of Urdu poetry.

Experience the magic of a grand live Mushaira from Shaam-e-Rekhta Mumbai, hosted by the Rekhta Foundation.Two of the greatest living legends of Urdu poetry, Javed Akhtar and Waseem Barelvi, come together on one stage for an unforgettable evening of ghazal, shayari and powerful poetic expression.Javed Akhtar delivers deeply moving verses on integrity, self-respect, relationships and the many contradictions of life. His much-loved poem Shatranj stands out as a sharp metaphor for injustice, power and human vulnerability.Waseem Barelvi brings his iconic lehja, emotional depth and timeless couplets on trust, survival, love and the art of living. His presence turns the evening into a memorable celebration of Urdu poetry.The Mushaira also features Aslam Hasan, Charagh Sharma, Pooja Bhatia, Madan Mohan Danish, Vijendra Singh Parwaz, Rajesh Reddy and Shamim Abbas. Together, they bring poems on love, memory, society, humour, pain and the everyday emotions that connect us all.Listen to this complete Grand Mushaira from Shaam-e-Rekhta Mumbai and relive an evening where every strong line finds its echo in the audience.Featured Poets:Javed Akhtar, Waseem Barelvi, Aslam Hasan, Charagh Sharma, Pooja Bhatia, Madan Mohan Danish, Vijendra Singh Parwaz, Rajesh Reddy and Shamim Abbas.

In this deeply moving episode of Rekhta Rubaru, host Rehman Faris sits down with legendary poet Abbas Tabish, celebrated as one of the most powerful voices of the modern Urdu ghazal.From childhood memories and poverty to the emotional force of a mother's love, Tabish reflects on the fears, wounds, and turning points that shaped both his life and poetry. He shares the story behind one of his most iconic lines, “Ek Muddat Se Meri Maa Nahi Soi Tabish”, and opens up about how fear has remained a recurring presence in his creative journey.The conversation also explores his early poetic influences, his father's role in introducing him to spiritual and romantic imagination through Tafsir Surah Yusuf, and the insult at a newspaper office that pushed him toward education and a lifelong commitment to poetry.Abbas Tabish also speaks about the craft of the ghazal, the need for poets to unlearn, the importance of lineage in poetry, the legacy of Mir and Sauda, mushaira culture, poetic ego, audience connection, and the digital future of Urdu literature through Rekhta.The episode closes with powerful recitations by Abbas Tabish, including his unforgettable verses on motherhood, longing, thirst, and the human condition.A soulful conversation on fear, memory, love, Urdu poetry, and the timeless world of the ghazal.

A book of Jaun Elia's poems no one had read — until now. Javed Akhtar launches Kyun and opens up the poet's hidden world.On Jaun Elia's birth anniversary, Jashn-e-Rekhta hosts the launch of Kyun, a collection of the legendary Urdu poet's previously unpublished work, compiled by Khalid Akhtar Ansari and Adeel Zaidi and released by Javed Akhtar. In conversation with Moin Shadab, Javed Akhtar and Jaun's niece Rukhsar Amrohi open up a side of the poet few have heard.Javed Akhtar unpacks Jaun's craft like only he can explaining sahl-e-mumtana, the deceptively hard art of writing in simple, everyday language while carrying immense poetic weight, and why Jaun's simplicity was a choice born of mastery, not a shortage of words. He calls Jaun's poetry an emotional lava that turns prose into verse, and reflects on the blunder of Partition through the life of a man whose country was Pakistan but whose soul never left Amroha.Rukhsar Amrohi shares intimate memories: the heavy silence that settled over their Amroha home after his migration in 1957, and his return years later when he knelt at the station to kiss the soil and embraced the trees of his old home like a man overjoyed. She also recalls the wasiyat he left her: to carry the family's poetic tradition forward.Javed Akhtar closes by reciting and decoding some of Jaun Elia's most iconic couplets.

One historian. Seven centuries of India. One unforgettable conversation.In this episode of Rekhta Rubaru, legendary historian Professor Irfan Habib joins Moid Rasheedi for a sweeping conversation on the making of India's cultural, political and linguistic history.From the memories of Partition and the Lahore Resolution to the atmosphere in Aligarh during a turning point in India's history, Habib reflects on the dangers of allowing religion to shape the future of a nation. He also recalls Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's 1949 AMU convocation speech and the promise that helped preserve the university's character.The conversation moves through the world of Amir Khusrau, whom Habib describes as India's first patriotic poet, and traces the evolution of Hindavi, Persian, Urdu and Hindi. He also speaks about Akbar's vision, Gandhi's idea of Hindustani, Dara Shikoh's translation of the Upanishads, and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's complex legacy in education, archaeology and colonial India.A rich, thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in Urdu, Indian history, language, culture, Partition, Mughal history and the many ideas that shaped India.

Recorded live at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai, this special conversation brings together Mahira Khan and Samina Peerzada with host Adeel Hashmi for a thoughtful, warm, and revealing session on acting, storytelling, and the journey from script to screen.Titled “Kahaani Se Kirdaar Tak”, the discussion explores how actors shape written characters into unforgettable performances. Mahira Khan reflects on her creative process, the emotional preparation behind complex roles, and the experience of becoming part of a cultural phenomenon through Humsafar. Samina Peerzada brings her years of experience as an actor, director, and storyteller, offering a deeper view of Pakistani cinema, television, and the changing place of women in performance.Beyond the craft, the conversation also looks at the real life behind fame, the pressure of public love, the discipline required to stay honest as an artist, and the quiet work that goes into making a role feel alive.For fans of Mahira Khan, Samina Peerzada, Pakistani dramas, cinema, theatre, and acting, this live session is part conversation, part masterclass, and part celebration of stories that stay with us.

Sharman Joshi joins Rekhta Guftugu for a warm, honest conversation on theatre, cinema, family, craft, and the long journey of becoming an actor.Born into a family deeply connected with Gujarati theatre, Sharman looks back at the influence of his father Arvind Joshi, his uncle Praveen Joshi, and the world of modern Indian theatre that shaped his early years. He shares stories from college, his first play after graduation, the success of All the Best, and the unforgettable lessons he learnt from live audiences.The conversation moves from Gujarati theatre to Hindi cinema, from stage struggles to film roles, and from forgotten dialogues to the discipline of acting. Sharman also speaks about learning jazz dance and horse riding, his love for music, the languages he speaks, his siblings, reading habits, and the actors who continue to inspire him.From 3 Idiots, Rang De Basanti, Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, and Life in a Metro to his reflections on the kind of roles he now seeks, this episode offers a rare look at Sharman Joshi beyond the screen. Gentle, funny, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in theatre.

Taapsee Pannu opens up in a warm, honest and deeply personal conversation on Rekhta Guftugu. From growing up in a middle-class Delhi household to studying engineering, modelling during college, entering South cinema, and eventually becoming one of the most distinct voices in Hindi films, Taapsee traces the journey that shaped her both as an actor and as a person.She speaks about her mother's influence, her rebellious streak, her conflicts within a patriarchal family setup, and the everyday struggles women face across professions. Taapsee also reflects on the early mistakes she made in the film industry, being labelled “bad luck” after consecutive flops, and how she rebuilt her career by choosing films she herself would want to watch.The conversation moves through her work in South Indian cinema, her shift to Hindi films, her experience working with Amitabh Bachchan, her love for science, her lockdown learnings, and her belief in living truthfully. Known for films like Pink, Badla and Manmarziyaan, Taapsee brings the same clarity, courage and humour to this interview.An episode about ambition, independence, womanhood, cinema, self-belief and the strength it takes to choose love over hate.

Ali Fazal comes to Jashn-e-Rekhta for a warm, candid, and deeply reflective conversation on cinema, Urdu, poetry, ambition, and the stories that shaped him.Opening with a nazm, Ali moves from the grace of Lucknow's tehzeeb to his childhood memories of films, books, and language. He speaks about being born in Delhi and raised in Lucknow, the influence of his mother, his early connection with theatre and Shakespeare at Doon, and the difficult years that taught him fearlessness.The conversation also traces his journey from Bollywood to Hollywood, including Victoria and Abdul, Death on the Nile, and his work as a producer with Pushing Buttons Studios. Ali reflects on craft, ambition, plagiarism versus inspiration, Urdu pronunciation in cinema, the responsibility of artists, and why he still feels he has not “arrived.”From personal memories to sharp industry observations, this session brings together cinema, literature, language, and a rare honesty that stays with you long after the conversation ends.

A grand mushaira from Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai, bringing some of Urdu poetry's most loved voices together on one stage.This Sunday Special captures the best moments from Dubai Mushaira 2025, where Javed Akhtar, Zehra Nigah, Waseem Barelvi, Abbas Tabish, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Sarosh Asif and Shakeel Jazib fill the evening with nazm, ghazal, wit, silence, applause and that rare mehfil energy only a live mushaira can create.From Javed Akhtar's sharp reflections to Zehra Nigah's grace, from Waseem Barelvi's emotional depth to Abbas Tabish's lyrical command, each poet brings a different shade of Urdu to the mic. The audience listens, responds and becomes part of the poetry itself.An episode for those who love Urdu, shayari, live performances and the feeling of being inside a hall where every verse lands straight in the heart.

Piyush Mishra brings his full self to this live Jashn-e-Rekhta session, sharp humour, raw memories, music, poetry, and the kind of honesty that refuses to sound rehearsed.In this conversation, he opens up about love, heartbreak, and why today's fast-moving Gen Z relationships often miss the patience and depth of old-school romance. He speaks about acting as imagination, not just technique, and shares hard-earned truths from his early Mumbai days, when survival, writing, theatre, and cinema were all part of the same struggle.The discussion moves from NSD and the myth of instant fame to the emotional cost of chasing art in a city like Mumbai. Piyush Mishra reflects on guilt, ego, Vipassana, alcoholism, truth, and the personal battles that shaped his voice as an artist. He also recalls Anurag Kashyap, Kay Kay Menon, and the creative integrity behind Black Friday.Alongside the conversation, the session carries powerful musical moments and memories connected to Ek Bagal Mein Chand Hoga, Aarambh Hai Prachand, and Husna. From Bhagat Singh and Faiz Ahmad Faiz to Partition pain and the loneliness of the artist, this episode is a rare mix of laughter, confession, music, and literary fire.Listen to Piyush Mishra at his most unfiltered, poetic, funny, wounded, and alive.

Javed Akhtar joins Saif Mahmood for a thoughtful and deeply relevant conversation on Urdu, secularism, language politics, and the cultural history of India. In this live session, they unpack how Hindi and Urdu grew from the same soil, sharing the same streets, emotions, and literary traditions long before politics tried to divide them.Javed Akhtar speaks candidly about why languages should never be tied to religion, and why Urdu belongs as much to India's cultural identity as Hindi does. He reflects on how younger audiences are rediscovering Urdu poetry through Devanagari script, even while traditional Urdu writing slowly declines.One of the most powerful moments of the discussion comes when he explains secularism in the simplest possible way. Not as a slogan, not as performance, but as something natural and essential, “like oxygen.” The conversation moves through literature, identity, public discourse, coexistence, and the emotional connection people still carry with language across generations.

Saadat Hasan Manto was not a writer who allowed anyone to stay comfortable. In this powerful conversation from Jashn-e-Rekhta, filmmaker Nandita Das and actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui join RJ Sayema to speak about bringing Manto's life, mind and contradictions to the screen.Nawazuddin reflects on playing Manto and the strange after-effect of carrying his honesty into real life. Nandita Das explains why the film stays rooted in the years around Partition, from 1946 to 1950, and how Manto's questions around identity, religion, nationalism, women and censorship continue to feel unsettlingly current.The conversation also goes behind the scenes of recreating 1940s Lahore, holding a creative line, and understanding Manto's writing as something plain, sharp and impossible to ignore. For anyone interested in Urdu literature, cinema, Partition stories, or the life of Saadat Hasan Manto, this is a rare and deeply revealing listen.

What happens when two of South Asia's most loved actors speak about Urdu, not as a language of nostalgia, but as a living part of performance, memory, and identity?In this rare conversation from Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai, Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas join Adeel Hashmi for a deeply honest discussion on Urdu, cinema, acting, and the changing sound of storytelling. They speak about the sanctity of words, the discipline of pronunciation, and why language can completely change the emotional weight of a scene.Imran Abbas shares how his command over Urdu became a strength across India and Pakistan, while Saba Qamar reflects on performance, vulnerability, and the beauty of leaving some emotions unfinished on screen. Together, they explore why many young actors are drifting away from linguistic depth, and what that means for films, dramas, and culture at large.The conversation also looks at how OTT platforms and newer writing styles have shifted dialogue from poetic expression to everyday realism. But is that evolution, or are we losing something precious?

Some nights are not just heard. They are felt.In this Grand Mushaira from the Jashn-e-Rekhta stage, some of India's most loved poets come together for an unforgettable evening of Urdu poetry, emotion, wit, reflection, and live mehfil energy. From the first sher to the final applause, the atmosphere carries the warmth of a packed audience listening, reacting, smiling, and sometimes falling completely silent.Hosted with grace and command by Azhar Iqbal, the evening moves through many shades of poetry. Ajm Shakari brings ghazals filled with heartbreak, pride, and emotional intensity. Nausha Israr speaks of homeland, hope, distance, and belonging. Shik Kaifi delivers sharp, memorable lines that make the audience pause and smile. Hilal Fareed brings poetry with a social and political pulse. Then comes Javed Akhtar, whose words cut through noise and reach straight into thought. The mehfil closes with the timeless elegance of Waseem Barelvi, reminding everyone why the ghazal still holds such power across generations.This episode is for anyone who loves shayari, ghazals, Urdu adab, live mushairas, and poetry that speaks about love, loneliness, truth, society, language, memory, and the delicate relationship between words and meaning.

What happens when a new generation of Urdu poets takes the stage and turns heartbreak, anxiety, love, loneliness, and identity into unforgettable shayari?In this powerful live mushaira from Jashn-e-Rekhta, host Jani Lakhnavi brings together some of the most exciting young voices in contemporary Urdu poetry. Featuring Sarmad Khan, Kashif Syed, Saqib Amraz, Sharjeel Ansari, Qamar Abbas Qamar, Saif Irfan, Bhavna Srivastava, Syed Ahmad and more, this session captures the pulse of modern sher-o-shayari.These poets speak the language of today's youth. They write about wounded hearts, quiet battles, mental health, unfinished love, and the strange beauty of surviving modern life. Lines like “Dil buridaon se mohabbat thi, aabla paon se mohabbat thi” and “Siskati rut ko mehakta gulab kar dunga” remind us why poetry still has the power to stop a crowd, stir memory, and heal something within.This is a glimpse into the future of Urdu poetry, where tradition meets today's emotions and young poets carry the tehzeeb forward in their own fearless voice.

In this live talk at Jashn-e-Rekhta, Swami Oma The Akk speaks of Urdu not as a language alone, but as a maashooq. Something intimate, fragrant, elusive, and deeply felt. Through the poetry of Meer, Ghalib, and Iqbal, he opens three ways of seeing life. Meer becomes the voice of loss, surrender, memory, and the pain that softens the soul. Iqbal stands for courage, becoming, and the pull of the future.Ghalib lives in the present. Restless, witty, rebellious, and brave enough to argue with the divine.The talk moves beautifully between ishq, fanaa, tajalli, sukoon, grief, hope, and inner fire, while the Yamuna becomes a powerful metaphor for damaged beauty that still flows with meaning. Swami Oma The Akk also reflects on how Rekhta has opened Urdu to wider audiences through Devanagari, Roman script, and digital access.

What if Urdu is not just a language, but an entire way of seeing the world? In this live conversation, Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra reveals why Urdu carries far more than words. It carries adaab, memory, poetry, emotion, and a complete civilizational ethos.Joined by Saif Mahmood and Moin Mir at Jashn-e-Rekhta, she speaks about why Urdu belongs to everyone, not to one religion, one nation, or one class. From the grace of saying aap to the lost art of listening, from Ghalib and Meer to the crisis of modern conversation, this episode opens up the deeper soul of the language in a way that feels urgent even today.

In this episode at Jashn-e-Rekhta, we explore the timeless poetry and lasting legacy of Meer Taqi Meer, the poet many revere as Khuda-e-Sukhan. Through an engaging conversation featuring Farhat Ehsas, Shafey Kidwai, and Sarfaraz Khalid, this session looks at how Meer shaped the emotional language of Urdu poetry and gave the ghazal a voice that still feels alive today.The episode reflects on Meer's extraordinary journey, his gift for turning everyday language into great literature, and the deep emotional current, or rawani, that makes his poetry unforgettable. It also draws a fascinating comparison between Meer and Mirza Ghalib, placing feeling and thought side by side in the history of Urdu verse. From his masnavis to Zikr-e-Meer, and from the fall of Delhi to the rise of Rekhta, this is a rich and rewarding listen for anyone who wants to understand the soul, softness, and truth of classical Urdu poetry.

Can you really tell the difference between great poetry and bad poetry?In this fascinating live session from Jashn-e-Rekhta, Dr. Salman Akhtar shares 4 signs of bad poetry and explains why some verses may sound poetic, but still fail to leave a mark. With humour, honesty, and deep literary insight, he speaks about shallow expression, damaged language, weak thought, and the loss of rhythm in modern writing.Referencing Maulana Hali and Dr. Zakir Hussain, Dr. Salman Akhtar shows that poetry is not just about words. It is about depth, musicality, emotional truth, and adab. This episode is a practical and thought-provoking guide for anyone who loves Urdu shayari, wants to improve their writing, or simply wishes to understand what gives poetry its lasting power.

In this episode of Rekhta Guftgu, actor Ali Fazal opens up like never before. From being born in Delhi and growing up in Lucknow, to discovering theatre at school, chasing independence in college, and finding his way through films like 3 Idiots, Fukrey, Victoria & Abdul, and Mirzapur, this is a conversation full of honesty, memory, craft, and culture.Ali speaks about childhood, literature, sports, auditions, failure, friendship, acting as a lifelong learning process, and why vulnerability matters to great performers. He also reflects on Urdu, poetry, Rekhta's role in preserving language and culture, the importance of script and expression, and even sings a few lines penned by Muhammad Iqbal.It is a beautiful conversation on art, identity, language, and what it really means to be understood.

In this episode of Rekhta Guftgu, Syed Mohammad Irfan sits down with Jaideep Ahlawat for an honest, deeply reflective conversation on rejection, patience, and the long road to recognition. Jaideep looks back on his childhood in Kharkada near Rohtak, growing up in a family of teachers, dreaming first of the Indian Army, and facing repeated setbacks after clearing written exams but failing the SSB.What followed was not a straight path, but a slow, meaningful journey toward acting. He speaks about theatre becoming an emotional outlet, discovering literature through Premchand, training at FTII, and learning to trust the process instead of chasing every audition. He also reflects on the turning point of Gangs of Wasseypur, the inner life of a character, and the method behind performances like Hathi Ram in Paatal Lok.

In this episode of Rekhta Guftgu, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali opens up about the failures, doubts, and turning points that shaped his journey long before Bollywood success found him. In a deeply honest conversation with Irfan, he reflects on failing ninth grade, discovering theatre at Hindu College, finding creative grounding with Act One, and arriving in Mumbai without a fixed plan.He talks about learning filmmaking on the job through television, the uncertainty of early rejection, and the long road to finding his voice as a director. The conversation also moves into the heart of storytelling, how stories choose us, what changes when stars and budgets enter the picture, and why a filmmaker must protect their inner truth even under pressure.This is about identity, language, belonging, ambition, and the courage to go deeper in life and art.

In this episode of Rekhta Guftgu, Prof. Gopichand Narang, one of the most influential Urdu critics, scholars and linguists of our time, reflects on a life shaped by memory, migration and literature. He speaks about his childhood in Balochistan and Punjab, the experience of Partition, his early relationship with books, and the journey that drew him toward Urdu.The conversation moves through Mir, Ghalib, Faiz, Jaun Elia, Parveen Shakir, Dagh, Kabir and more, as Prof. Narang shares readings, recitations and remarkable insights on poetry, interpretation, freedom and modern life. Honoured by both India and Pakistan, this is a rare and absorbing conversation for listeners who care about Urdu, culture and the inner life of poetry.

In this episode, Raj Babbar and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub join Ambreen Khan for a warm, deeply personal conversation on Urdu, Hindustani identity, cinema, theatre, and the shared cultural memory of India.Raj Babbar looks back at the home he grew up in, where the Urdu newspaper Milaap arrived regularly and even the Gita was read in Urdu script. From childhood memories linked to Ghalib and Nazeer Akbarabadi to his early theatre training, he speaks about pronunciation, discipline, pauses, and why language shapes performance. Zeeshan Ayyub reflects on upbringing, social responsibility, NSD, mentors, and the need to protect a shared Hindustani spirit that cannot be reduced to religion or labels.The episode also moves into acting craft, the emotional truth behind performance, choosing roles, creative restlessness, and why AI may imitate technique but cannot replace lived human experience in art. There is humour too, with rapid-fire moments on Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, romance in Urdu, and anger in Punjabi.

In this warm and thoughtful Jashn-e-Rekhta conversation, Dia Mirza joins Atika Farooqui for a deeply personal exchange on memory, language, identity, and purpose. From growing up in Hyderabad in a home shaped by Urdu poetry and literature, to finding her own voice in public life, Dia reflects on the experiences that formed her inner world. The episode also opens into her commitment to the environment and sustainability, revealing how empathy, culture, and conscience came together in her journey. A graceful conversation that blends Urdu, upbringing, cinema, and awareness in a way that stays with you.

In this Guftgu episode, Manoj Bajpayee speaks with unusual honesty about cinema, craft, and the kind of inner life that keeps an actor growing. He reflects on how the pandemic changed theatres, streaming, and the way people now live with stories, fear, and habit. He believes cinema will return, but not in the old way, and makes a strong case for theatres and OTT existing side by side.The conversation then moves into acting in a way listeners rarely get to hear. Manoj breaks down his preparation for Aligarh, from Marathi literature and music choices to gait, backstory, and the tiny behavioral details that make a performance feel lived rather than performed. He also speaks about Barry John, realism, simple living, and why craft matters more than image. The episode closes on poetry, with powerful readings from Dinkar and Dharamvir Bharati's Andha Yug, revealing how literature, rhythm, and voice shape the actor behind the screen.

In this episode of Guftugu, Adarsh Gourav opens up about the road from My Name Is Khan to The White Tiger, the performance that brought him global attention and award nominations. He talks about growing up with music in Jamshedpur, moving to Mumbai, discovering acting later than expected, and building his craft through theatre, training, auditions, and relentless observation.Adarsh shares behind-the-scenes stories from his early career, his preparation for playing Balram Halwai, and the mindset that shaped his work across Hostel Daze, Guns & Gulaabs, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Along the way, he speaks about music, acting teachers, inspiring filmmakers, and why learning never really stops for a performer.

In this episode, singer Shilpa Rao reflects on the journey that shaped her, from growing up in Jamshedpur to building a career in Bollywood and independent music. Before becoming one of the most loved voices in Indian music, she worked as a jingle singer, and slowly found her space through discipline, patience, and deep faith in her craft.Shilpa speaks about her debut with “Javeda Zindagi” from Anwar, the song that introduced her to a wider audience, and shares how riyaz, taleem, and faith in music have remained the foundation of her life. The conversation moves through her early struggles, her approach to singing, her musical influences, and the emotional truth she brings to every performance.

A voice like Tahir Faraz does not fade. It lingers.In this special Jashn-e-Rekhta episode, experience the live shayari of Tahir Faraz through nazms and verses that still feel achingly alive. From “Koi Aansu Jo Kagaz Bhigo Jayega” to “Ek Misra Hu Main, Ek Misra Ho Tum”, every line carries the grace, heartbreak, and beauty that made his poetry unforgettable.This episode stands as both a live poetry experience and a remembrance of Tahir Faraz, whose words turned everyday emotions into timeless Urdu poetry. Love, safar, tanhaai, homecoming, and the quiet weight of memory all come together in this powerful performance.

In this striking Jashn-e-Rekhta segment, Zehra Nigah is introduced as the presiding voice of the mushaira and delivers a reading that feels both lyrical and razor-sharp. She begins with her nazm “Jungle Ka Qanoon”, a poem that builds with quiet control before landing its political force. She then moves into a ghazal marked by images of greed, trees, and the fear of dawn. This episode brings together the authority of Zehra Nigah's voice, the depth of Urdu poetry, and the unsettling beauty of verse that still speaks directly to our times.

In this episode of Guftugu, Shweta Tripathi Sharma speaks with honesty and warmth about the choices that shaped her journey as an actor. From her early creative instincts to becoming a widely loved face through standout performances, she reflects on ambition, vulnerability, discipline, and the courage to back stories that feel true. The conversation moves through acting craft, fame after Mirzapur, personal growth, and what it takes to stay grounded in a fast-moving industry. A thoughtful listen for anyone interested in cinema, performance, storytelling, and the making of an artist with a voice of her own.

In this episode of Guftugu, Divya Dutta looks back on the journey that shaped her life and career. From growing up in Ludhiana, Punjab to arriving in Mumbai with big dreams, she speaks with honesty about rejection, resilience, survival, and the slow process of finding her place in cinema. The conversation moves through ambition, self-belief, craft, and the desire to belong to both popular and offbeat storytelling. Warm, reflective, and deeply personal, this episode offers a rare listen for anyone interested in acting, Bollywood journeys, and the inner life behind a public career.

What does it really take to create a sound that feels original? In this episode of Rekhta Guftugu, Sneha Khanwalkar talks about the creative process behind her music, from travelling for field research and listening to real voices to turning regional textures into unforgettable songs.She shares how instinct, curiosity, and collaboration shaped her journey, why she never chased trends, and how taking creative space helped her stay true to her sound. With stories from the road, thoughts on arrangement and instruments, and glimpses into her approach to musical storytelling, this episode is a rich listen for anyone interested in Sneha Khanwalkar, Indian music, music production, sound design, film music, and creative process.

Nusrat Mehdi brings her distinct poetic voice to this special Mushaira session at Jashn-e-Rekhta, the world's most celebrated festival of Urdu language, literature, and culture. In this episode, her shayari moves through love, memory, human experience, reflection, and the emotional depth that defines great Urdu poetry. With the atmosphere of a live mehfil and the richness of classic and contemporary expression, this session captures the essence of a true Jashn-e-Rekhta Mushaira.

In this special Jashn-e-Rekhta episode, celebrated poet Iqbal Ashhar takes the stage with shayari that is heartfelt, elegant, and unforgettable. His recitation carries the grace of classic Urdu poetry while speaking directly to modern listeners through themes of love, memory, longing, and life. This live session captures the atmosphere of a true mushaira, where every line lands with depth and every pause carries emotion. This episode offers a beautiful entry into Iqbal Ashhar's poetic world for Jashn-e-Rekhta fans

Experience the magic of Munawwar Rana Shayari in this special Jashn-e-Rekhta episode. Revered for his moving poetry on maa, family, love, loss, and the emotional fabric of everyday life, Munawwar Rana remains one of the most beloved voices in Urdu literature. This episode brings together the depth, simplicity, and emotional power of his verses in a live setting that celebrates the soul of Urdu.

Abbas Qamar and Himanshi Babra come together live at Jashn-e-Rekhta for the much-loved Young Poets Mushaira, a stage known for introducing some of the most compelling new voices in Urdu poetry. This episode captures the emotion, freshness, and lyrical intensity of a new generation of shayars speaking directly to the heart. Abbas Qamar, widely regarded as one of the most striking young poets in India today, brings depth, longing, tenderness, and quiet fire to his kalaam. His poetry lingers with the pain of memory, the beauty of unspoken feelings, and the emotional honesty that makes a mehfil unforgettable. With Himanshi Babra sharing the stage, this live session becomes a moving celebration of young Urdu poetry, shayari, and the timeless magic of Jashn-e-Rekhta..Youtube Episode

In this special episode of Rekhta Guftgu, Stand Up Comedian and Artist Zakir Khan reflects on the journey that shaped him. From his early life in Indore and struggles to his rise as one of India's most loved voices in comedy and storytelling, this conversation opens up a more personal side of Zakir. He speaks about ambition, growth, craft, and the many meanings of success beyond fame.Warm, thoughtful, and deeply relatable, this episode offers listeners an honest look at life, career, and the pursuit of something bigger than recognition. .Watch the Episode on YouTube.

This episode brings together the unforgettable magic of Rahat Indori at the Grand Mushaira of Jashn e Rekhta. This special video brings together some of his best shayari, powerful stage presence, sharp wit, and the unmistakable energy that made him one of the most loved voices in Urdu poetry. From timeless verses to crowd stirring moments, this is a rare chance to relive Rahat Indori live in a grand literary gathering.

Step into the atmosphere of a live mushaira with Vijendra Singh Parwaz at Jashn-e-Rekhta, where poetry meets presence, craft, and emotion. In this special session, Parwaz brings his distinct voice, lyrical depth, and commanding stage energy to an audience that lives and breathes Urdu adab. From sharp observations to tender feelings, this live performance captures the magic of spoken poetry in its purest form.

Listen to Javed Akhtar live at Jashn-e-Rekhta in the grand mushaira filled with powerful shayari, sharp thought, and timeless Urdu poetry. This special session captures the voice, wit, and emotional depth that make Javed Akhtar one of the most admired poets and lyricists of our time. A must-listen for lovers of Urdu adab, live poetry, and classic mushaira culture.

Experience the magic of live Urdu poetry with Azhar Iqbal at the Grand Mushaira, Jashn-e-Rekhta. In this powerful session, Azhar Iqbal brings his unmistakable voice, sharp thought, and emotional depth to the stage, reminding us why mushairas continue to hold such a special place in literary culture. From nazm and ghazal ke ehsaas to the electricity of a live audience, this performance captures the beauty of Urdu adab in its purest form.

Why does so much Indian music feel incomplete without Urdu? In this conversation, Swanand Kirkire and Varun Grover join Naghma Sahar to explore how Urdu shapes the emotional language of Indian songs, poetry, and film music. From love and longing to grief and memory, they unpack why certain words land deeper, sound richer, and stay with us longer.This is a thoughtful discussion on songwriting, lyrics, rhythm, meaning, and the cultural power of language in Bollywood and beyond. The session moves through craft, cinema, storytelling, and the lasting influence of the golden era of Hindi film music. .YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Au72LFngUZc?si=UKNefv_UuRs-jp6R

A powerful evening of Urdu poetry with Waseem Barelvi at Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025. This session brings together some of Waseem Barelvi's most moving and relevant shayari on identity, self-respect, human relationships, social inequality, and the changing realities of city life. The performance also features his much-loved lines on unity, dignity, and staying true to yourself, before closing with an emotional ghazal reflecting on his own journey through life with humility and grace..YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/BTWMNJ4FDZM?si=buhoGbL4BlJqgeYp